The Pittsburgh Courier…Newspaper of Record

“Pittsburgh Cour-eee-irrr 5 cents,” was the chant that nearly a dozen news boys and girls shouted out to the hundreds of people that entered the Twentieth Century Club on Feb. 1 for the annual K. Leroy Irvis Black History Month Program.

The Pittsburgh Couriers handed out by the carriers were actually the program for the evening and a mini version of the newspaper complete with ads for Dr. Fred Palmer’s Skin Whitener, promising to make you more popular with lighter skin and Dixie Peach Hair Pomade, 7 full ounces for 25 cents. The ad said the pomade was prepared especially for kinky hair.

CHANNELING TEENIE HARRIS—Photographer Carmon Rinehart.

A photo of a Pittsburgh Courier delivery truck complete with driver from a by gone era had been blown up to full size and was surrounded by stacks of the historic newspaper that celebrates its centennial this year.

An elevator ride to the third floor landed you in the middle of the reception. The ballroom was decorated with giant photos of telephones, typewriters and photos of many of the Pittsburgh Courier stars. Adding to the festive atmosphere was photographer Carmon Rinehart channeling Teenie “One Shot” Harris. Even his camera was dressed in costume.

PRESENTING HISTORY —Kenneth Love (Newspaper of Record producer) and Robert Hill (event co-host).

Guests dined on catfish, sweet potato shish kabobs, greens, and corn pudding before the viewing of the featured presentation “Newspaper of Record: The Pittsburgh Courier, 1907-1965.” Co-host Robert Hill and Co-host Robert Hill filling in for Mark A. Nordenberg explained how The Pittsburgh Courier grew from a small, local newssheet into the leading Black newspaper of the 20th century. The featured presentation, produced by University of Pittsburgh alumnus Kenneth Love, was narrarated by Vernell Lillie P.h.D., and featured interviews with the late Frank Bolden, Edna McKenzie, Bill Nunn Jr. and many people associated with the paper.